Every autumn sees the publication of the annual “Guide Hachette des Vins“, something which winemakers, merchants and wine lovers await with interest. Now in its 40th edition, it is in many ways something of a bible as far as French wines are concerned, being a description and rating of some of the best wines from across France, selected at blind tastings – less than 1 in 4 of the wines offered get through.

This year’s edition is even bigger running to 1400 pages – 35000 wines blind-tasted of which just 7000 are selected!

But there is much to gain – updates on the regions, selected “favourites”, a guide to grape varietals and new this year are details of B&Bs (Chambres d’Hotes) and self-catering accommodation (Gites Ruraux) on vineyard estates. Plus the increasingly important category of “organic wines” (vins bio).The only problem is that the guide is in French – not available currently in English. The book also includes 35 vineyard maps and a Table of Vintages.

Guide Hachette des Vins 2025